Question

Which of the following orders of acid strength is correct: 

• A. RCOOH > ROH > HOH > HC ≡ CH
• B. RCOOH > HOH > ROH > HC ≡ CH
• C. RCOOH > HOH > HC ≡ CH > ROH
• D. RCOOH > HC ≡ CH > HOH > ROH

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Here's the rationale behind this order: 
1. Carboxylic acids (RCOOH) are strong acids because they can donate a proton (H⁺) readily due to the presence of the carboxyl group (COOH). They have a dissociable hydrogen ion (H⁺), making them stronger acids than the other compounds listed. 
2. Water (HOH) is also a strong acid but not as strong as carboxylic acids. Water can act as an acid by donating a proton (H⁺) to another molecule or ion, but it is weaker than carboxylic acids in this regard. 
3. Alcohols (ROH) are weaker acids than both carboxylic acids and water. While they can donate a proton, it's less likely to occur compared to carboxylic acids and water. 
4. Alkynes (HC ≡ CH) are the weakest acids among the listed compounds. They are not acidic under normal conditions and do not readily donate protons. 

So, the correct order is (B): RCOOH > HOH > ROH > HC ≡ CH.